Goodnews Evangelical Mission (or GEM as it is more commonly known) is a Christian grant making charity which supports other Christian charities both in the UK and abroad.

GEM was originally established in 1997 by Giles Wilkins and Ronald Van Wyk for the purpose of providing a local befriending ministry in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Upon Giles’ death in 2007, GEM received a substantial legacy from his estate which the trustees invested. This legacy enabled the trust to substantially expand the scope and sphere of its operations and the trust now supports and funds Christian charities all over the world.

In addition to its grant making work, the trust also operates a small but very effective befriending service in the Eastbourne area. This service, which is managed by one of the trustees, provides regular home visits, outings, holidays and general help and support to a growing number of primarily elderly, lonely and disabled clients. The trust currently employs three part-time Christian befrienders and the managing trustee to carry out this special but very necessary ministry.

GEM is overseen by a board of four Christian trustees who meet six times a year. Funding applications are considered at these meetings and decisions are made in line with the trust’s objectives and policies. All funding applications should be underpinned by a clear Christian ethos and a desire to promote the Christian faith.

What kind of Christian work do we support?

The following list is not exhaustive but provides a general guide to the Christian projects that GEM supported in the past. Further information can be obtained from the Annual Report filed with the Charity Commission.